A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Maui for Hiking, Couples, Resorts, and Attractions

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Maui?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Maui can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a high energy, wild, and flashy city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Gatlinburg travel costs.

Maui

Maui is a stunning, idyllic, and adventure-filled island. Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Maui travel costs.

Gatlinburg and Maui: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Maui?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Maui. Although Gatlinburg and Maui are popular destinations, Maui has more sights and attractions for tourists. Maui is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, and nightlife. Gatlinburg is famous for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Maui is famous for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. It is also well known for Haleakala National Park.

How is Gatlinburg different from Maui?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Maui and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Maui is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Gatlinburg is a great destination to visit. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Maui is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Maui?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

While most people don't head to Maui specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Maui? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at reasonable restaurants in both Gatlinburg and Maui.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Maui. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Gatlinburg is a world class party destination. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Maui The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Gatlinburg and Maui.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Gatlinburg. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Maui is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Maui is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Maui. The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Beaches?

Maui is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Maui is a very popular vacation destination. The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Hiking?

Maui is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Maui specifically for its hiking. There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Maui?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gatlinburg and Maui both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Gatlinburg. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Maui offers some nice shopping areas. There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui More Beautiful?

Maui is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Maui because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic mountains and beautiful blue water, this island offers stunning beauty.

Gatlinburg is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Families?

Maui is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Maui is one of the most popular family destinations. It is one of the best of the Hawaiian islands to explore with kids. There's plenty of snorkeling, outdoor adventure sports, and hiking that are great for kids of all ages. There are some kid-friendly beaches where kids can play in the water. There's also the Maui Ocean Center, Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm, and 'Iao Valley State Park.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Couples?

Maui is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Maui has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the outdoor sports, excellent snorkeling and diving, and beautiful waterfalls that make for a romantic getaway. There are world-class resorts and breathtaking scenery that attract honeymooning couples from around the globe.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a popular place for its public transit. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Maui. The island does have a bus system with 14 routes, but most visitors prefer to have their own transportation to get around.

Is Gatlinburg or Maui a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Maui is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable city. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Maui is not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll want to have access to a car if you hope to explore it in its entirety.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Maui Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Maui or Gatlinburg?

How long in Gatlinburg or Maui?

Both Gatlinburg and Maui have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Maui than in Gatlinburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Gatlinburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in Maui.

Families should spend more time in Maui than Gatlinburg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Maui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Maui than Gatlinburg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Maui that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gatlinburg than Maui if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gatlinburg.

One day in Gatlinburg or Maui?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Gatlinburg. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled island of Maui, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gatlinburg or Maui?

Gatlinburg is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Maui, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gatlinburg or Maui?

You'll find museums and skiing around the wild destination of Gatlinburg. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Maui, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gatlinburg or Maui?

The flashy city of Gatlinburg offers skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Maui is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Maui, we can see that Maui is more expensive. And not only is Gatlinburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gatlinburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gatlinburg and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Maui would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Maui than you might in Gatlinburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Maui Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Maui?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Maui in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Maui. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Maui because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gatlinburg is around the same temperature as Maui. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gatlinburg in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Maui averages at about 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maui. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gatlinburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maui. Gatlinburg gets 294 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 290 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in July than Maui. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 0.4 inches (10 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Maui in the Autumn?

Both Maui and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Maui this time of year.

In October, Gatlinburg is generally cooler than Maui. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 63°F (17°C), and Maui fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Maui. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually receives less sunshine than Maui during autumn. Gatlinburg gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Maui. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Maui in the Winter?

Both Maui and Gatlinburg during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Maui for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Gatlinburg is much colder than Maui in the winter. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Maui fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In Maui, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Gatlinburg often gets less sunshine than Maui. Gatlinburg gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maui receives 217 hours of full sun.

Maui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in January than Maui. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Maui in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Maui. Furthermore, many visitors come to Maui in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gatlinburg is cooler than Maui. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gatlinburg in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Maui averages at about 74°F (24°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Maui this time of the year. In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gatlinburg usually receives more sunshine than Maui during spring. Gatlinburg gets 263 hours of sunny skies, while Maui receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Maui. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Maui receives 1.8 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Maui and Gatlinburg